Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), following the suspension of Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Prof. Sarpong, an Associate Professor of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), will take charge of the Authority while a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) investigation into allegations involving the NSA continues
The appointment was contained in a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, October 1. The directive stated that Mr Ampofo Ankrah’s suspension is an administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing against him.
Prof. Sarpong has previously served on the NSA Governing Board and chaired its Technical Committee before the board was dissolved by President Mahama on September 2, 2026.
He also serves as Dean of Students Affairs at UEW and has held several responsibilities in Ghana’s sports sector, including work related to school and grassroots sports. His background covers physical education, sports science, sports administration and athlete development.
Takes Over Amid Ongoing Investigation
Prof. Sarpong assumes leadership at a time when the NSA is facing scrutiny over the management of sports facilities and an ongoing investigation into an alleged visa facilitation arrangement connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NSA has denied authorising any visa facilitation or money-collection arrangement linked to the tournament and has said its legal team is cooperating with the police investigation. The allegations remain under investigation and do not establish criminal liability against Mr Ampofo Ankrah or any other individual.
The new Acting Director-General is expected to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Authority, including the management and development of Ghana’s public sports infrastructure, as the government considers the next steps for the NSA’s leadership and governing board.
